Arthritis

The term arthritis refers to more than 100 diseases which result in pain, stiffness, and swelling due to the inflammation of a joint or surrounding area. The most common types of arthritis are osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis.

Osteo-arthritis is a degenerative disease which is most prevalent in patients over the age of 50 years. It usually affects large weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee and in some cases it can also affect the spine and upper extremity joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the young, especially women. It usually involves the deterioration of many joint surfaces resulting in patients complaining of similar symptoms in their hands, feet, shoulders, hips and knees.

Traumatic arthritis is caused by a severe injury that damages the joint surface; it can be accompanied by torn ligaments, tendons and muscles. This results in severe instability of the joint.

Arthritis of the hip is identified by the wearing away of cartilage between the femur and the acetabulum, this causes the two bones to rub against each other. This can result in joints becoming eroded and uneven causing pain, stiffness and, in some very severe cases, restricted leg movement.

Arthritis of the knee is identified by the wearing away of cartilage on the surface of the knee causing it to become eroded, and resulting in stiffness and pain.

For more information on organisations and groups which may be able to offer help and guidance with information relating to arthritis please visit our further resources area.